For many, the summer means beach trips, vacations, and family fun, but the season can also bring insects, rashes, asthma attacks, sunburns, and more.

While we’re not here to ruin anyone’s good time, we are here to keep you safe and healthy. So, we’re providing a rundown of some summertime perils and how best to treat these conditions.

Just as some accidents generally occur in the winter, others that lead to serious personal injury occur more often in warm-weather months — like mowing, boating, and sports mishaps. Here’s a quick overview of the most common summertime concerns:

Sports injuries

Popular summer pastimes like soccer, volleyball, and water sports can also pose a risk for head injuries, sprains, strains, and pulls.

Trauma to the head can cause concussions and potential traumatic brain injury. Always seek immediate medical care if you experience a hit to the head while playing sports. Injuries related to sprains, strains, and pulls can be harder to diagnose.

If your sports injury feels severe, make an appointment to see your doctor and click here to learn more about how Southcoast Health prevents and treats sports injuries. To prevent injuries in any sport, you should always adhere to your particular sport or game rules when participating.

Boating accidents 

Here are some of the top reasons boating accidents occur:

• Operator inattention
• Inexperience of operators 
• Excessive Speed 
• Equipment failures
• Alcohol consumption 
• Weather/dangerous water 
• Violating navigational rules 

To prevent boating disasters:

• Always boat sober
• Take an accredited boat safety class
• Ensure there is adequate safety equipment on board
• Maintain boat maintenance
• Monitor weather and water conditions
• Maintain safe speeds
• Follow navigation rules
• Always be watchful and vigilant

Remember, never board a boat with an operator who may exhibit concerning behaviors or inexperience. In the event of a boating incident and injury, seek immediate medical attention at your local emergency room or use your cell phone to call 911 or another water rescue authority in your area. 

Mower mishaps 

Most homeowners strive for a neatly mowed yard. However, getting the lawn in shape may result in many forgetting to take necessary precautions. Common mower injuries include lacerations to the hands, toes, feet, and fingers. Fractures and eye injuries are also common concerning mower mishaps. 

Proper safety includes:

• Wear closed-toed shoes when mowing, along with goggles or sunglasses. Long pants and gloves may also protect you from flying debris. 
  • Do not try to fix a mower while it is running or if inexperienced with mower maintenance. 
• Hire a professional to service your mower or learn how to do it properly.
• Keep kids away from mowers, both push, and ride-on. 
• If gas-powered, keep gasoline in a safe location. Gasoline can be dangerous fuel to store – store in a cool, well-ventilated space in an approved red container. Containers that are not approved may dissolve and release flammable gas-liquid and vapors.

Seek emergency help if you or someone else has been severely injured by a mower accident.

If you need quick medical care that you and your family can rely on, find your nearest Southcoast urgent care location. We gladly accept walk-ins, so no appointment is needed.

The Southcoast Health Urgent Care is open to the public, and you do not need to have a Southcoast Physicians Group doctor to visit our urgent care clinic.

If your condition is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.